When I returned home from the World Race, someone asked me if I felt called to Africa. I believe I gently said, "God is going to have to physically pick me up and THROW me back into Africa."
The poverty seemed too great. The gospel there seemed to be overpreached and underlived. It was a wild frontier that seemed like I could not even BEGIN to make a difference.
I remember one man coming up to me in a shop and asking me if I was American. When I confirmed his suspicions, he said, "Thank you for building our roads," and then begged me for money. It cut me to the core. I was thankful that the country I was from was able to meet a need, but I was ticked off that I was viewed as the "Mzungu" coming to save the day.
That conversation still bothers me.
When we were living in the compound, the women who fed/took us around the villiage were unlike anyone else. They were sassy, vibrant, and deeply committed to faith that Jesus restores. One day, a thought occured to me, "Where are all the men? Where are all of the kids' fathers?"
After letting it brew for more days than necessary, I finally asked one of my team mates. She gave me a grave look, "Chase, they were probably raped…"
Manhood took on a whole other meaning after that day.
I realize that the "problems" in Tanzania are deeper than money can fix. There were many days when I came home from work feeling like I was trying to put out a wildfire with a squirt gun.
These problems are something more profound than men can solve. However, as a Man of the most high God, I know that hope can change the world.
I was asked recently to attend a vision trip to Sumbawanga, Tanzania at the end of this year. My first response was, "Here I am God, SEND SOMEONE ELSE!"
(This is my leader's blog. Check it out! http://missyhollinger.theworldrace.org/?filename=im-going-back-to-sumbawanga-tanzania )
But as I began to look back at all the pictures I have of Tanzania, I realized where God did the most work:
Where I was in the middle of Church
Where I played
I saw a gimpse of innocence being restored.
I heard Jesus deep in my soul, "Let the children come to Me. Do not stop them!"
So here I am, asking again for you to partner with me on this vision trip. It will be for two weeks and we will be working with a church in the heart of Sumbawanga. From there, we will be talking to church leaders in order to find how to satisfy needs and provide long lasting change for the streetkids there. The trip is set to leave in December.
My goal is $5,000. This will cover all of my needs and travel there. Because this is new ground in the area, we will be going on our own. Donations should be made with paypal. If you have any questions, feel free to leave them here, I will be checking back daily.
God bless you all for your continued prayers and support!
